If you've been following our iPad and iPad 2 case reviews, you've already heard of The HandStand case for the iPad and the Handstand 2 for iPad 2. The company that makes the HandStand cases reinvented itself and introduced these cases under REV360 brand from Hub Innovations. The REV360 for iPad 2 cases also have gone a new and improved design with more comfortable grip and hand strap. Also the brand is now targeted more at consumers vs. vertical markets with a wide collection of colors and prints. The iPad 2 cases come in two versions, the REV360 and the REV360 Smart which works with Apple's SmartCover. We look at the new REV360 Smart case for the iPad 2 in this review.

Design

The REV360 Smart case for the iPad 2 uses the same polyurethane rubber material as the REV360 case that's sturdy yet has some flexibility. As with the REV360, the REV360 Smart case is form fitting and wraps the iPad 2 like a glove. The difference of course is that the REV360 Smart leaves the left side of the iPad 2 mostly open with just enough space to fit the Apple SmartCover. The REV360 Smart does cover the corners though, and ensures that the iPad 2 stays securely in the case. Since the case covers less of the iPad 2, it's able to shed some weight too. It now weighs 9 ounces vs. the 11.3 oz. weigh on the REV360. The REV360 Smart has soft lining on the large center disc on the interior for extra shock absorption.

On the back of the REV360 Smart case for iPad 2, you will find the thermoplastic ABS handgrip plate that rotates in 360-degrees in 36 positions. The rotating disc has been redesigned, now with two tablet rests on either side of the hand strap, making it more stable when you rest the iPad 2 on them. Since the disc can rotate, you can prop up the tablet in either portrait or landscape orientation. The two tablet rests also give the hand strap more support, and the case does feel more comfortable to hold in this new design. Though the tablet rests can only position the tablet in flatter position for typing on the screen, the REV360 Smart works with the SmartCover to provide more upright angles for media viewing.

Features

The biggest new feature on the REV360 Smart case is that it works with the SmartCover. The cutout for the SmartCover measures perfectly, and together they cover the iPad 2 completely. The REV360 Smart still covers all four corners of the iPad 2, giving it more structural support and keeps the iPad 2 securely in the case which is important when you are rotating the tablet in the case. The REV360 Smart case covers the edges of the iPad 2 in the front, leaving just the right amount of space for the SmartCover. The rubber case is reasonably thick and can certainly protect the iPad 2 from scratches, bumps and nicks when stored in a bag or backpack. The stretchable hand strap is more robust than the last gen hand strap and you shouldn't wear it out any time soon.

As with the regular REV360, the REV360 Smart has cutouts for all ports and buttons on the iPad 2, including the 30-pin connector and speaker grill on the bottom, volume and screen lock buttons on the side, power button and audio jack as well as mic on top. There is also a cutout for the rear camera. The cutouts have perfect alignments with the ports and buttons on the iPad 2.

Conclusion

If you like the REV360 case but need something to cover the screen of the iPad 2, the REV360 Smart combined with a SmartCover provides a great solution. The case is great for users who carry their tablet all day in their hands, or just for certain tasks. It's reasonably light and very protective. The 360-degree rotation comes in handy when you need to position the tablet in certain angle, and the built-in tablet rests can prop up the iPad 2 in both portrait and landscape positions. If you are interested in more than just solid black or white edition, REV360 Smart comes several other solid colors as well as Boa, Leopard, Rattle Snake, Zebra, and different camo patterns as well as Carbon Fiber patterns.